A powerful explosion at a bakery rocked central Paris on Saturday, injuring at least 20 people, the police said.

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The blast, which took place at 9.10 a.m. (local time), was preceded by a fire that was apparently caused by a gas leak, the BBC reported citing preliminary reports.

Cars were wrecked and other buildings were damaged by the blast on Rue de Trevise in the 9th Arrondissement.

"Ongoing, Paris firefighters are tackling a fire at a business establishment in Rue Trevise in the 9th arrondissement of north-central Paris that was followed by a strong explosion," the police said in a statement.

"Avoid the area and allow the passage to emergency vehicles," it added.